Job Introduction
Bradford Finance is undergoing significant change and investment. Having been under resourced for a number of years it is now entering a new phase of development and strategic focus in order to support the Council’s ambitious new corporate strategy and plans.
A restructure has recently completed with the department now comprising four key teams: Management Accounting; Corporate and Strategic Finance; Projects, Systems and Commercial; and Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement. The restructure includes significant additional capacity and investment in training and development.
A new service plan is being developed during 2025 with a clear strategic focus and direction including a development plan to focus on delivering financial literacy across the organisation, while at the same time, elevating the impact of the Finance team within the organisation to support and drive the Council’s strategic plans whilst delivering its financial sustainability and recovery programme.
The team has recently been highly instrumental in the last 12 months in helping the Council secure:
- the lifting of the Best Value Notice put in place in February 2024 by February 2025, an unprecedented achievement.
- a very positive review by CIPFA about progress being made in Bradford to become financially sustainable. CIPFA cites progress being made in several key areas, including the addressing of risks identified in the previous review of 2023. They also report that financial planning in Bradford is robust, savings proposals are well considered and are being delivered, even where choices are difficult.
- completion of the 2025/26 budget much earlier than previously.
- closure and audit sign off of the 2022/23 and 2023/24 accounts in the last 4 months, both with an unqualified opinion.
- a very positive half year report by the Council’s Independent Board.
The Principal Accountant role is at the heart of the Finance team and essential to the delivery of the Council’s plans and future financial sustainability. You will work in our corporate and strategic finance team working with departments and service areas to provide a best-in-class finance service. You will work with our finance managers and strategic finance managers to implement the future development of the service thus enabling the council to meet its future challenges whilst fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This role is an opportunity to make a real difference in our vibrant and diverse city.
We are looking for a Principal Accountant to join our dedicated team in the Finance Department. You will work closely with the Strategic Finance Manager and Finance Manager in our capital accounting, treasury and taxation team supporting the Council officers and members by providing an expert specialist advice and accounting service.
The successful candidates will be expected to lead, develop and ensure implementation and review change management programmes to deliver continual improvement.
The main responsibilities of this role are:
1. Provide a specialist quality service by:
- Co-ordinating the closure of the capital expenditure and income accounts.
- Providing specialist capital advice and guidance to senior officers and project officers throughout the Council.
- Providing support on all new initiatives and projects particularly ensuring appropriate funding is in place.
- Maintaining a good understanding of existing legislative/professional requirements regarding the accounting for capital expenditure by the Council.
2. Preparation of the Quarterly Capital Monitor ensuring it is accurate by having a good understanding of the larger projects to ensure we are compliant with Financial Regulations. You will also be required to set up new schemes and monitor grants relating to the Capital Schemes.
3. Actively develop and ensure appropriate mechanisms are in place for achieving the maximum benefit to the Council of capital investment decisions.
4. Prepare and present appropriate briefings and financial monitor reports to senior management on capital expenditure.
5. Statement of Accounts, preparing Working Papers for Notes relating to the Capital Monitor, such as the Capital Funding Statement, Grants and Commitments.
6. Promote the continuous improvement of the service by:
- Encouraging a creative approach to delivering innovative solutions.
- Actively developing the capacity for keeping up to date on professional skills and specialised knowledge.
- Building the sections capacity and capability to support an excellent advisor service.
- Responding to and dealing with poor performance.
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining our team and would like some further information, please contact
- Lynsey Simenton, Strategic Finance Manager email: lynsey.simenton@bradford.gov.uk or
- Celia Yang, Head of Corporate and Strategic Finance on 07977 814829 or email: celia.yang@bradford.gov.uk
Further information is available through the links below, along with the attached Job Profile and Candidate Information Pack.
Budget Meeting of Council - 06 March 2025
Statement of Accounts - 2023/24
CBMDC - External Assurance Review
Employee Offer
Why work for Bradford Council? Find out why by taking a look at Our Employee Offer.pdf .
Equal Opportunities
We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee directly or indirectly on the grounds of gender, marital status, gender re-assignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic background, religion or belief nationality or age. And, as an equal opportunities employer, the Council strives to employ the best qualified people from a diverse range of applicants.
The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.
